Bid On A Matt Wieters' Doodle - A week ago, Daniel and myself were contacted by NF, Inc., a national non-profit that benefits families dealing with neurofibromatosis.

Well, they have an annual fundraiser which starts this Thursday (May 13), and a part of it is a celebrity "Doodle" auction on eBay. Fortunately for us, Matt Wieters has generously donated a Doodle that he drew himself.

Anyways, we thought you guys might be interested in bidding on something that is a little different than just his autograph, and is something he drew.

You can go to www.doodledayusa.org for more information on the Doodle auction, and to view all of the celebrity Doodles.

Saturday November 14, 2009

Right Off Russell's MWF Contest - Submit your best Matt Wieters Fact in the comments section of this Right Off Russell Page linked here and you could win a free Matt Wieters Facts T-Shirt. You can enter as many times as you want until 5 PM on November 20th (Yes, the same night New Moon premiers - so do it now). All submissions will be sent to us here at Matt Wieters Facts. A panel of judges will decide the winner. The winner’s submission will also be featured on the top of our site with a link to your blog or twitter account. Make us proud and check out Right Off Russell's wonderful and award winning blog.

MWF Recieves 3 Mobbie Nominations

Vote For Us Now! - MattWietersFacts.com has been nominated by the Baltimore Sun as one of Maryland's Best Blogs for 2009. Holy crap!! Really? Well, to help us win, you'll need to vote for our website once a day from Monday, Sept. 28 at 8 a.m. until Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. So basically, right now!!

We're very excited to be recognized (in three categories no less!) for the spirit and energy we helped bring to Baltimore this past summer. We know we couldn't have gotten there without all you great fans, and would really like to to see all of the hilarious submissions celebrated.

So please vote for us in the Humor Category (to give the Real Sports Bloggers a chance) and then shoot us an email. If Matt Wieters Facts wins, creators Daniel Moroz and Ian Oland will randomly select a number of those who voted for the site to participate in a Viral Video where they can pie Moroz and Oland in the face. Yes, like all the other Orioles Rookies this year after a big victory. After the video is shot, it will be posted on the site and on YouTube for everyone to enjoy!

And while you're at it, swing by the Orioles Category and vote for Moroz's blog, Camden Crazies. He works hard on his O's coverage and would appreciate your support!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Wieters Goes 4 for 5 in Loss to Royals - Matt Wieters had a career high 4 hits and an RBI as the Orioles fell to the Kansas City Royals 4-3 in 11 innings tonight. With his 4 for 5 performance, Wieters raised his batting average to .273. And most importantly, Wieters stole the spotlight from fellow rookie Nolan Reimold, who had his first T-shirt Tuesday as an Oriole. Right-hander Jason Berken finally delivered a solid performance as he went 6 innings and gave up only 2 runs. His line was good enough to justify his spot in the rotation. Unfortunately for the Orioles, they were completely inept with runners in scoring position, and the result was another frustrating loss. The Orioles have now lost 8 of their past 10 games and are dead last in the AL East. However, make sure to catch the game tomorrow night as prized pitching prospect Chris Tillman will make his major league debut against Royals Ace Zach Grienke at 7:05pm on MASN.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

With First Half Over Wieters Looks For Consistency - When Matt Wieters arrived in Baltimore May 29th, he was met with a standing ovation after every at bat. Yet even as he has struggled through early growing pains, Orioles fans are still on his side. Why? Because we’ve seen moments of pure brilliance from the catcher that few can emulate. Take for instance his first major league hit – a triple – off of Tigers Ace Justin Verlander. How about Wieters’ 3 homeruns, which have all been opposite field dingers. How about his accurate gun behind the plate?

Wieters has used his easy swing, taken what the pitcher has given him – which in most cases has been an outside fastball – and has tried to keep it simple. Just put a good swing on the ball. That’s it.

After hitting his first career homerun, Wieters was quoted as saying 'Home runs are accidents. Home runs are doubles that sort of carry farther. I hit the ball well and was able to get it to carry over the fence for me.' These seem like sage words from a 15 year veteran, not a quote from a 23 year old rookie catcher.

The kid might have looked tentative and uncomfortable at the plate while going a combined 2 for 15 through his first four games, but he has maintained his confidence, unlike many other players going through their first year, and has shown a steady improvement in the batter's box. When he had a costly error trying to pick off a runner at third and threw the ball into left field, he came early to the park the next day and worked on his pick off throws. Since then, he has not had another throwing error, and his pickoff throws, especially to second, are things of beauty.

Wieters hasn’t exactly taken the league by storm as many expected, but he has hit .333 with two home runs and four RBIs in his last eight games, though, indicating that he could be in line for a productive second half. Wieters owns seven multiple hit performances in 19 games -- not an astounding rate, but surely one that makes him look as though he's figuring out Major League pitching. He could become a top 5 catcher in the second half.

Here's hoping he can.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Wieters goes 3-3, Homers in Loss - Matt Wieters hit his third homerun of the season and had his first 3 hit game of his career in a 9-6 loss to the Angels. His third homerun was a solo shot off of Angels Starter Joe Saunders that went to the opposite field. Wieters currently has a five-game hitting streak going and continually looks more and more comfortable at the plate. He has seven multiple hit performances in 19 games and is starting to turn on the outside fastball - a pitch that had gotten him to strike out or meekly ground out as of a few weeks ago.

As for the Orioles, they managed to blow a 4 run lead in consecutive games to the Angels and have had problems in general throwing strikes. The jury may not be out much longer on whether Jason Berken or Rich Hill can be effective major league pitchers, as there is chatter among Orioles executives if it's time to call up prized pitching prospect Chris Tillman from Triple AAA Norfolk. Berken seems to not have the stuff and Rich Hill has problems getting through 5 innings most nights. Hopefully the Orioles can get their pitching back on track against the Seattle Mariners Monday Night. Brad Bergesen will be on the hill taking on Jarrod Washburn. Game time is 10:10pm EST.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Matt Wieters Facts Day A Success - Thanks to everyone who showed up Saturday Night to support Matt Wieters Facts - well minus Matt Wieters who didn't play because of Dave Trembley. I'm just going to assume he didn't receive our facebook invitation in the mail. No matter, I saw about 30 or 40 people wearing our shirts (mostly in the lower bowl) and many many more asked about where I got my 'Wieters: Catcher of Champions' T-shirt. Here are a few highlights from the night:

- Our Shirts are now on sale at the Sports Legends Museum behind Camden Yards (Link with Photos)

- The Orioles won 6-3 and 1st RD Draft Pick Matt Hobgood was introduced to the crowd (Link with Photos)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Matt Wieters Facts Day Is Finally Upon Us! - Hey Orioles Fans, please wear your Matt Wieters Facts T-Shirts for tonight's O's/Nationals Game and join us in the upper deck behind homeplate. Also, if you manage to be one of the first 10,000 fans in the ballpark, you could recieve a free Nick Markakis Batting Practice Jersey. Even more, the Orioles 2009 First Round Pick Matt Hobgood will be introduced to the crowd. So if you call yourself a fan, you'll be at tonight's game.
If you would like to meet up with our group, we will be sitting in Section 334 Row K. We'd love to put some faces with names, so feel free to stop by and introduce yourself. Also, Ian Oland, Designer of the MattWietersFacts.com, will be photographing all fans wearing our Matt Wieters Facts shirts to put up on our facebook fan page and our website. So please come out to the yard, and root the Switch-Hitting Jesus on! See you tonight!!!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

O's Roberts Blasts Team To 9th Inning Victory - The Orioles (31-37) won their fourth straight game in dramatic fashion Saturday Night in Philadelphia, despite Matt Wieters being given the day off. The Orioles trailed by two runs at the start of the ninth inning, but pulled within one against Phillies closer Ryan Madsen on Gregg Zaun's second homer of the season.

With two outs, pinch hitter Oscar Salazar singled to right. With two strikes, Roberts drove Madsen's pitch just over the right-field wall. It was his seventh homer of the season and it gave him a season-high four RBIs for the game.

George Sherrill then pitched a scoreless ninth for his 14th save and the Orioles will go for the series sweep Sunday against a Phillies team that has lost five straight and appeared to finally get a break when pinch hitter Ryan Howard, who was struggling with the flu that required a brief hospital stay, hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning off Danys Baez.

The Orioles and Phillies will play at 1:15 tomorrow in a sold out Citizens Bank Park. Staff Ace Jeremy Guthrie will pitch for the Orioles and Cole Hamels (of the terribly designed Cole Hamels Facts) will pitch for the Phils.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Orioles Defeat Defending Champ Phillies 7-2 - Matt Wieters went 1 for 4 with a double, 2 RBI's and a run scored as the Baltimore Orioles and Starting Pitcher Rich Hill gritted out a 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies before an announced crowd of 45,135. Wieters broke the game open in the bottom of the second inning as he drove a double off of fellow Rookie Antonio Bastardo that plated Melvin Mora and Nolan Reimold. Rich Hill went on to pitch 7 effective innings, as he only gave up 2 runs on 4 walks and 5 hits.

As for Wieters, over the past 10 games he has raised his average from an unsightly .167 to a more respectable .259. Wieters has looked locked in at the plate as he has been blasting extra base hits with regularity. Here's hoping he can keep it up and get his batting average over .300!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Wieters Hits First MLB HR - Congratulations to Matt Wieters who hit his first MLB Homerun in the bottom of the second inning off of Mets Starter Tim Redding! It was a two run shot that also plated Nolan Reimold. The Orioles ended up winning 6-4 on a night where 25,000 lucky Orioles fans recieved an Adam Jones Bobblehead. Special Note: if anyone knows the guy who caught the homerun ball, please shoot us an email. We'd like to know what the Orioles gave him for the Homerun Ball!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Wieters On Fire - Despite the Orioles Woes on Offense Lately, Matt Wieters has picked it up and gone 6 for 11 in his last 3 games. Patience is a virtue I suppose. Also, check out the new t-shirts in our store. 3 new designs are up!!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

O's Bergesen Overwhelms Mariners - Matt Wieters went 2 for 3 as the Orioles beat the Seattle Mariners 3-1 Tuesday Night. Brad Bergesen, a fourth-round pick in 2004, threw eight shutout innings, and Nolan Reimold, a second-round selection in 2005, jolted a slumping offense with a homer and two RBIs in the Orioles' 3-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners before an announced 17,358. The Orioles will face the Seattle Mariners at Camden Yards tomorrow night for the second game of the series. Game time will be 7:05pm.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Orioles Swept By Streaking A's - Matt Wieters went 0 for 4 lowering his batting average to a woeful .143 as the Orioles lost to the Oakland Athletics 3-0. Vin Mazzaro pitched seven sharp innings and Jason Giambi drew a bases-loaded walk in the first inning as the A's went on to win their 6th game in a row. The Orioles will now return home to face the Seattle Mariners at Camden Yards. Tomorrow's game will start at 7:05pm.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Orioles Take Pounding; Lose 9-4 - Matt Wieters was held out of last night's game for Greg Zaun, while the Orioles and Jason Berken put up a weak effort and lost 9-4 to the Oakland Athletics. The Orioles will finish their series with Oakland and try to avoid a sweep at 4:15 EST.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Erik Bedard Keeps O's Bats Cool - Matt Wieters managed to go 1 for 3 with a walk, as the Orioles fell to the Mariners, 8-2. Erik Bedard overwhelmed his former team, taking a three-hit shutout bid into the seventh inning and walking off the mound to a standing ovation in front of an announced 17,978 at Safeco Field.

The Orioles (24-29) have scored just three runs over their past 30 innings, and six runs over their past 39 frames. Overall, they've been held to three runs or fewer eight times in the past 18 games. On Tuesday, they went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position, leaving them 1-for-13 in such situations through the first two games of the series. They've also left 13 runners on base in the two games.

The Orioles will go for the series win tonight as Brad Bergesen takes the mound for the Orioles and Seattle counters with Jason Vargas. Game time is 10:10pm.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Orioles Win Pitching Duel, 1-0 - Matt Wieters continued to struggle with the bat as he went 0 for 4 with 2 Strikeouts last night in the Orioles 1-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Though it's important to mention, one of Wieters' hitless at bats included a 415 ft. pop-out to center off of Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn that would have been a Homerun in any other ballpark. Wieters at this point however, seems to be over-swinging at balls and is having a hard time finding a comfort level at the plate. In his defense, Orioles GM Andy MacPhail called him up during a stetch where the Orioles have seen some of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues.

In regards to the game, the Orioles (24-28) scored their only run in the sixth inning on Aubrey Huff's sacrifice fly off Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn, which ended a streak of 17 scoreless innings for the offense. Rich Hill picked up the victory after pitching 7 scoreless innings. Jim Johnson threw a scoreless 8th inning, and former Seattle reliever George Sherrill picked up the save in the ninth.

The Orioles will now travel to the West Coast to take on the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Tomorrow night's game begins at 10:15 ET.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Wieters Gets First MLB Hit in Loss - Matt Wieters followed up his unspectacular, 0-4 debut Friday, by going 2 for 4 with a triple, a double and a run scored as the Baltimore Orioles fell to the Detroit Tigers 6-3. Wieters got his first MLB League hit - a triple - in the 5th inning by blasting a 96 MPH fastball from Justin Verlander to deep center past the outstretched arms of Curtis Granderson. Wieters parents, along with the other 34,565 fans in attendence, gave the catcher a long roaring ovation as he settled in at third.

Wieters followed his triple up by launching a ground rule double off of Verlander after running the count full. Wieters is now batting .250 after his first two games. Matt Albers took the loss for Baltimore, and Justin Verlander (6-2) got the win for Detroit.

Roch Kubatko reports that Matt Wieters will be in the lineup for tomorrow's day game against the Tigers. He will DH.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Matt Wieters made his much anticipated debut today, and the large crowd - 42,000 strong - gave him a tremendous round of applause as his name was announced. And then again when he came up to bat for the first time. In fact, the crowd remained standing for the entire length of his time at the plate - a practice many fans continued for each of his plate appearances. Though he went 0 for 4 on the day, Wieters handled a bunt attempt well on the first play of the game - the Tigers were trying to test the rookie, and he passed using his agility and strong arm - and called a good game from behind the plate as Brad Bergesen pitched 8+ quality innings and picked up the win. Luke Scott, getting some protection from Wieters batting behind him in the line-up, homered twice and drove in five as the O's beat the Tigers 7-2.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

New Batch of Matt Wieters Facts T-Shirts Up! - Due to heavy demand and in celebration of Matt Wieters call up, we've released a few new t-shirts designs for all of you to purchase for Friday's game and beyond. The new designs - either making fun of Jim Palmer or admiring Matt Wieters (your choice) -have been put up on our spreadshirt.com shop found here:

Orioles Promotion of Wieters Recieving National Attention - Matt Wieters will be making his Major League Debut this Friday against Detroit in one of the most anticipated Orioles games in years. We here at MattWietersFacts.com are wondering how loud the reception is going to be and if it's even possible that Wieters debut can sell out the yard. We're hoping here that he can. We're also hoping we run into some people at the game with some Wieters Facts T-Shirts too. If you're going to the game this Friday, please email us any photos or links to your blog that contain a write-up about the game. If they're interesting enough, we'll feature them on the site.

As for today, we found a really funny quote to pass along. Matt Wieters Facts visited our hero this past Memorial Day Weekend in Norfolk, and managed to get him to sign a Hall of Fame Postcard that graphic designer Ian Oland made. Wieters reaction? A chuckle or two and then he signed. He's a very modest kid. Well today, Rainer Sabin of the Virginian Pilot, had a write-up about Wieters being called up to the big club and it included a pretty interesting quote from Tides Manager Gary Allenson that seems to be referencing MattWietersFacts.com. Take a look for yourself:

"He's a pretty good player and he is only going to get better," Allenson said. "But I'm not going to make it out like we're etching his plaque in the Hall of Fame."

Well we are, Gary. Here's hoping we see you guys at the game this Friday. Buy Tickets Here.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Wieters Called Up, Destroys Toledo Single-Handedly - Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail dropped a surprise on Orioles fans tonight announcing that top prospect Matt Wieters will be recalled and make his major league debut on Friday against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards. Wieters then responded by going an astounding 4 for 4 with a double, 4 RBI's and a run scored leading the Norfolk Tides past the Toledo Mud Hens 9-5. I guess he wasn't distracted.

With the big night, Wieters is now batting .305 with five home runs and 30 RBIs in 39 games. Pretty gaudy numbers to say the least.

Norfolk second baseman Brandon Pinckney was 2-for-5 with a solo home run, and left fielder Jeff Fiorentino was 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Designated hitter Justin Turner collected three hits and three runs scored for the Tides, and right fielder Robby Hammock added two hits and an RBI.

Tides pitcher Andy Mitchell earned the start in place of Jason Berken. Mitchell gave up four runs (three earned) and four hits in four innings. The 30-year-old right-hander struck out five batters and issued two walks.

Relief pitcher Ross Wolf (2-1) collected five strikeouts in two perfect innings to earn the victory for Norfolk.

Wieters To Be Called Up Friday - Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail dropped a surprise on Orioles fans during the MASN broadcast a few minutes ago, announcing that top prospect Matt Wieters will be recalled and make his major league debut on Friday against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards.

"It's time,'' MacPhail said. "He's ready."

The decision comes as a bit of a shock, since Orioles officials have been saying privately for some time that Wieters would come up either next Monday in Seattle or on June 9 in Baltimore.

Wieters will move into the starting lineup and displace one of the veteran catchers from the 25-man roster. It has long been assumed that Chad Moeller would be the one to hit the waiver wire when the time came to promote Wieters, but it is possible that Moeller's stock has risen in the wake of Rich Hill's two solid starts with him behind the plate.

Join MattWietersFacts.com at the ballgame this Friday with one of our t-shirts. We'd love to see you there.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Tides Win 5-2 - Matt Wieters batted clean up today and went 1 for 3 with two walks as the Norfolk Tides defeated the Toledo Mud Hens 5-2. Wieters average bounced to .285. Chris Waters (5-2) picked up the victory after going 6 difficult innings. He gave up 5 hits and walked 5, but managed to allow only 2 Mud Hen players to score. Jim Miller picked up his 11th save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth inning

Norfolk will face the Mud Hens tomorrow night in Toledo. Game time is 7:15pm.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Hernandez K's 14 in Tides Victory - Matt Wieters went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI as the Norfolk Tides defeated Rochester 4-3. With the two hits Wieters batting average rose to .288. The real story of the night was David Hernandez who K'ed 14 batters in his bid replace Adam Eaton in the Orioles rotation. The 24-year-old right-hander was dominant and efficient, as he threw 84 of his 114 pitches for strikes. He allowed just three hits and three unearned runs without walking a batter in the contest, lowering his ERA for the season to 2.91. Hernandez retired the first seven batters he faced via strikeout en route to posting the highest single game total for a Tides pitcher since Octavio Dotel registered a franchise record 17 punchouts on May 27, 1999.

The Tides and Red Wings will square off again on Saturday Night, with first pitch from Harbor Park slated for 7:15. Chris Tillman (5-0, 2.25) is slated to take the hill for Norfolk against right-hander Philip Humber (1-1, 5.85). MattWietersFacts,com will be in attendance of the game! Check back for updates and photos!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Wieters Homers in Loss - Catcher Matt Wieters was 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBIs, but the Tides' eight-game winning streak was snapped with a 5-4 loss to Rochester in 12 innings.

Designated hitter Robby Hammock and second baseman Justin Turner each added two hits for Norfolk. Turner is batting .424 (14-for-33) with one home run and five RBIs in his past 10 games. After getting off to a slow start for the Tides, he is now hitting .290 in 32 games this season.

Tides starting pitcher Jason Berken struck out seven batters in six innings, but he didn't factor in the decision. The 25-year-old right-hander gave up two runs and five hits. He threw 68 of his 95 pitches for strikes in the game.

Relief pitcher Ross Wolf (1-1) suffered the loss after allowing two runs and three hits in two innings for Norfolk.

Center fielder Joey Gathright had a triple and a run scored for the Tides.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tides roll Tuesday for 8th straight win - Matt Wieters went 2 for 4 with a run scored as the Norfolk Tides sunk the Louisville Bats 7-2. Wieters two singles raised his batting average to .282. Tides starter Chris Waters (4-2) allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work to pick up the victory in his third straight quality start. Waters walked one and struck out four, throwing 58 of his 93 pitches for strikes. The 28-year-old southpaw has now gone 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA (6-ER, 20.0-IP) over his last three outings.

The victory was Norfolk's eighth straight and improved the Tides record to 26-12, the best mark in the International League. The win was also the Tides eighth straight at home, the second-longest winning streak in Harbor Park history after a nine-game stretch in 1993 - Norfolk's inaugural season at Harbor Park.

The Tides will enjoy an off day Wednesday before returning to action on Thursday night at 7:15. Norfolk will welcome the Rochester Red Wings to town for a four-game set, with Jason Berken (2-0, 0.46) slated to take the hill for the Tides against Rochester right-hander Kevin Mulvey (2-2, 4.15).

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Tides Rained Out Sunday - Sunday's International League contest between the Norfolk Tides and Louisville Bats has been postponed due to rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader Monday, May 18 at 6:15.
The Tides are slated to start RHP Chris Tillman (4-0, 2.03) and RHP David Pauley (2-3, 4.68) Monday, while Louisville is scheduled to start RHP Sam LeCure (2-2, 4.19) and RHP Homer Bailey (3-4, 4.81).

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Tides Win 1-0 - Matt Wieters went 1 for 4 with a Triple and a Strikeout as the Norfolk Tides defeated Louisville 1-0 in front of 7,636 fans at Harbor Park Saturday night.

Dave Hernandez (3-1) picked up the win for the Tides, as he allowed just two hits while walking four in 5.1 innings. Hernandez struck out six in the outing as he lowered his ERA to 3.50.

The Tides and Bats will square off again on Sunday afternoon, with Chris Tillman (4-0, 2.03) slated to take the hill for Norfolk against Louisville right-hander Sam LeCure (2-2, 4.19). First pitch is scheduled for 1:15.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Wieters Homers for 2nd Consecutive Day - Matt Wieters helped power the Tides offense with a homer and two RBI, his third home run in the last two games. Justin Turner also added two hits and a home run, his first of the season. Wieters went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored and raised his average to .282.

Andy Mitchell (3-1) earned the win by allowing one unearned run in 1.1 innings. Alberto Castillo and Matt Albers each followed with a shutout inning of relief before Jim Miller worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 9th save of the season.

The four-game sweep was Norfolk's first over Syracuse since 1995.

The Tides return to Harbor Park on Saturday night for the start of an eight-game homestand. Norfolk welcomes the Louisville Bats to town Saturday, with first pitch slated for 7:15.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Wieters powers Tides to third straight win - Matt Wieters clubbed two homers to help give Norfolk a 12-3 win over Syracuse Thursday night.
Wieters slugged a solo homer in the first inning to give Norfolk an early lead, then added a three-run shot in the third frame that gave the Tides the lead again after Syracuse had plated three runs in the bottom of the first.

Scott Moore also helped pace Norfolk's 15 hit attack with two hits, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning - his 7th of the season.

Justin Turner also added three hits, while Jolbert Cabrera added two hits and two runs batted in.

Chris Waters (3-2) was the beneficiary of the offensive output, as he worked around a shaky first inning en route to earning his third win of the season. Waters yielded just four hits and two runs in seven innings of work, striking out six.

The Tides will go for the series sweep of the Chiefs on Friday night, with first pitch slated for 7:00 pm. Rich Hill (1-1, 1.35) is scheduled to take the hill for Norfolk.

Back-to-back home runs, however, by Scott Moore and Jeff Fiorentino in the 9th inning lifted Norfolk to a 5-3 win over Syracuse. Alberto Castillo picked up the win and Jim Miller got his league leading 8th save of the season.

The Tides will look for their third straight victory Thursday night as they once again take on the Syracuse Chiefs at 7:00. Chris Waters (2-2, 5.28) is slated to take the hill for Norfolk.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Matt Wieters Praised by Rich Hill - After finally getting his batting average over .300 for the first time all year, Matt Wieters has been abysmal the past two games. On Monday and Tuesday Night against Syracuse, Wieters went a combined 0 for 8 with a strikeout and a walk against Chiefs pitching. It's lowered his batting average to .275. Struggling? Wieters? Not possible.

So in search of something positive, we found Roch Kubatko's School of Roch and an interview he recently had with pitcher Rich Hill:

"So what does Hill like about Wieters?
'It's his overall composure, the way he handles himself, the way he goes about his business,' Hill said. 'It's the next level. He's very professional. And the same with Nolan (Reimold) and Oscar (Salazar).

'It's a good team, a very good team. Guys are hitting the ball real well and pitching well, and it's a good clubhouse, very upbeat. Guys are playing baseball. That's what it's all about.'

I wanted to talk more about Wieters' skills behind the plate, in case anyone thought the kid had some deficiencies that we're not hearing about.

'He's great, unbelievable," Hill said. "I really like throwing to him. He's really polished. He's got a great feel for pitch selection, and that goes hand in hand with calling a game. He's got a great feel for the flow of a game. Like when there was a runner on third base (Sunday), we kept pounding (the batter) in and going after him aggressively with my two best pitches.

'I've just been really impressed by him, his whole makeup. It's not just the way he plays.'

OK, I'm sold. I'll predict greatness and start crafting his Hall of Fame speech, in case he needs a ghostwriter.

Norfolk Defeats Buffalo 3-1 - Matt Wieters went 1 for 2 with two walks, a double and 2 runs scored as the Norfolk Tides defeated Buffalo 3-1. With the double, Wieters raised his average to .301. He has now hit a double in two consecutive games and it was his 7th double of the season. Rich Hill (1-1) picked up the win for the Tides after he threw 6 scoreless innings and struck out 7. The Tides conclude their series with Buffalo Monday night at 7:15.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Norfolk Defeats Buffalo 5-1 - Matt Wieters went 2 for 4 with two RBI's, a double and 2 runs scored as the Norfolk Tides defeated Buffalo 5-1. With the 2 hits, Wieters raised his average to .296. He hit his 6th double of the season. Jason Berken (2-0) earned the win after pitching 5 shutout innings.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Wieters Call Up Imminent? - Matt Wieters had 3 RBI today as the Norfolk Tides finished a 4 game sweep of Columbus. With his sublime performance, Wieters raised his average to a scintillating .297.

The big news however is how well Top Propsect Matt Wieters has been playing lately. Wieters recent return to his 2008 form puts further pressure on Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail to call him up to Baltimore and replace struggling starting catcher Greg Zaun who has a downright atrocious .157 batting average. MacPhail has cited multiple times that Wieters timetable is not dependent on Greg Zaun's performance. But as Wieters confidence and batting average continues to grow, you have to wonder when enough is enough.

The Norfolk Tides will now embark on an 8 game roadtrip that will bring them to Buffalo and Syracuse. If Wieters success continues out of town, could he have played his last game in Norfolk? I suppose we'll see. MASN's Roch Kubatko is wondering the same thing as well:

"Triple-A Norfolk catcher Matt Wieters has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games, batting .308 (12-for-39) with six RBIs over that stretch. The kid's heating up again. Protect the hammy!

I still don't know when the Orioles will purchase his contract. They could try to ease some of the pressure on him, hit the dimmer switch on the spotlight, and have his major league debut take place on the road - perhaps a quiet weekend in Kansas City later this month. Or they could spring him on the home crowd during the final homestand in May. There's also that West Coast trip to Seattle and Oakland during the first week of June."

In game one, Matt Wieters hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie, helping Chris Tillman earn his third victory of the season.

Tillman (3-0) allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings of work as he became the first Tides pitcher to reach three wins on the season. The 21-year-old struck out six while walking one, throwing 55 of his 85 pitches for strikes.

Mike Costanzo finished 2-for-3 with two RBI in the game one win, while Jim Miller worked the seventh inning to earn his fifth save of the season.

In game two, Norfolk trailed 3-2 in the fifth inning before Scott Moore gave the Tides the lead with a two-run double.

The Tides plated their first two runs of the contest on a two-run double off the bat of Wieters, who is now hitting .297 with a home run and 10 RBI this season.

David Pauley (2-3) earned the win for Norfolk, as he allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings of work. Alberto Castillo worked around a walk in the final frame to register his first save of the season.

With the doubleheader sweep, Norfolk completed a four-game sweep of the Clippers.

The Norfolk Tides will now embark on an 8 game roadtrip that will bring them to Buffalo and Syracuse. Chris Waters (2-2, 6.46) is slated to take the hill for the Tides Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Tides Game Rained Out - Wednesday night's International League contest between Norfolk and Columbus has been postponed due to rain. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, May 7 at 11:15 a.m.

The Tides are slated to start Chris Tillman (2-0, 2.37) and David Pauley (1-3, 4.71) in Thursday's twinbill, while the Clippers are scheduled to counter with LHP David Huff (4-0, 3.21) and RHP Tomo Ohka (2-1, 3.03).

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Tides Sweep Double Header - Matt Wieters went 3 for 6 with an RBI and a run scored as the Norfolk Tides swept a Double Header from Columbus Tuesday night, winning by scores of 5-0 and 5-2. With the 3 singles, Wieters raised his average to .290. Matt Albers (1-0) relieved Rich Hill in the fifth inning of Game 1 and retired the final nine batters of the contest to earn his first win in a Norfolk uniform. Dave Hernandez earned the win for the Tides in Game 2, as he allowed two runs on three hits without walking a batter in five innings of work.

The Tides and Columbus will square off again on Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15. The Orioles second rated prospect, Chris Tillman (2-0, 2.37) is slated to take the hill for the Tides against Clippers southpaw David Huff (4-0, 3.21).

Tides Game Cancelled - Monday's International League contest between Norfolk and Columbus has been postponed due to rain.

The game has been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on Tuesday, May 5 at 6:15.

Rich Hill (0-1, 5.40) and Dave Hernandez (1-1, 4.58) are slated to take the hill for the Tides on Tuesday night, with Jeremy Sowers (1-1, 2.25) and Jack Cassel (2-1, 6.04) scheduled to make the starts for Columbus.

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Tides outslugged 11-7 - Although Matt Wieters went 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, the Norfolk Tides lost to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Sunday, 11-7. The double, which was Wieters 3rd of the season, raised his average to .270. Kam Mickolio (1-1) suffered the loss for the Tides.

Jeff Fiorentino paced the Tides offense with two hits and three RBI, including a game-tying two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning. However, the Yankees plated a run in the bottom of the inning and three more in the eighth to wrap up their third win in four contests against the Tides.

Mike Costanzo had three hits and and a run scored for Norfolk.

Oscar Salazar went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly in the contest, snapping his hitting streak at 18 games.

The Tides return home to Harbor Park on Monday night for a four-game series with the Columbus Clippers. Rich Hill (0-1, 5.40) will make his second rehab start for Norfolk, with first pitch slated for 7:15.

Wieters went 2-for-4 last night with two walks and a run scored, raising his average to .278. Stockstill recently spent five days with the team and noted that the young catcher was still trying to regain his timing after having limited at-bats in spring training and dealing with a hamstring injury. Also, opponents were "pitching him awfully tough because of his reputation and stature," Stockstill said.

Stockstill said Wieters has been solid behind the plate, receiving the ball and throwing.

"From what I've seen down here in Norfolk, Wieters is not getting good pitches to hit and when he does he is driving the ball. Pitchers are really nibbling with Matt, trying essentially to pitch around him. He's got a pretty good eye and will certainly take walks but it must be a bit frustrating for him. From the looks of it though he's handling it very well and not at all pressing at the plate, he's got a sweet swing from both sides of the plate. Tides are back in town for 4 games next week, I'm sure to attend a few of them."

Roch Added:

"I pass this along because I'm reminded of an observation that Dave Stockstill, director of player development, made last season after I asked him about Wieters. Actually, he made it twice. He wasn't repeating himself in one interview. The circumstances surrounding Wieters just happened to be repeating themselves.

Wieters was having trouble getting pitches to hit at Single-A Frederick. He moved up to Double-A Bowie and was having trouble getting pitches to hit. He was challenged to exhibit patience at the plate and not chase balls out of the strike zone. And both times, he adjusted.

I haven't seen Wieters in Norfolk, and it's not like he's raking from the middle of the lineup, but the pattern could be continuing against International League competition. The pitchers there have heard of him. They're familiar with the hype. They know how good he is, even if they've never faced him. And they know he's only played one full season of professional ball.

He'll adjust. His average will climb, he'll start hitting for power, he'll start driving in runs and pitchers will try to work around him again. But he also has Oscar Salazar and Nolan Reimold hitting behind him, so they might pay for it."

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